Nectarine tree named ‘Magic Fire’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica  var.  nucipersica ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Tree having a vigorous, upright growth habit.   2. Tree being a regular and productive bearer of large size fruit.   3. Fruit with a high degree of attractive dark red skin color.   4. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality.   5. Clingstone fruit with firm, yellow flesh.

Botanical designation: Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

Variety denomination: ‘MAGIC FIRE’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuing plant-breeding program including the organization and asexual reproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against this background of our activities that the present variety of nectarine tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of nectarine trees, which are known to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Honey Royale’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,008) and the proprietary non-patented nectarine seedling selections ‘359LY48’, ‘27LW158’, ‘219LV284’ and ‘176LT191’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree was developed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. from a first generation cross between our proprietary non-patented nectarine seedlings ‘359LY48’ and ‘27LW158’. The seed parent (359LY48) originated as an open pollinated seedling from our proprietary non-patented nectarine seedling selection ‘219LV284’. The pollen parent (27LW158) originated as an open pollinated seedling from our proprietary non-patented nectarine seedling selection ‘176LT191’. A large number of these first generation seedlings were planted and grown on their own root system, during which time we recognized the desirable tree and fruit characteristics of the present seedling and selected it in 2014 for additional asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

In 2014 asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of nectarine tree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and its fruit. are established and transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of nectarine tree is of large size, vigorous, upright growth and a regular and productive bearer of large size, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. The fruit is further characterized by having firm flesh and an attractive dark red skin color. In comparison to its proprietary non-patented nectarine seed parent ‘359LY48’ the fruit of the new variety is approximately 25 days earlier in maturity and is larger in size. In comparison to its proprietary non-patented nectarine pollen parent ‘27LW158’ the fruit of the new variety is approximately 14 days earlier in maturity. In comparison to the commercial variety ‘Honey Royale’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,008) the fruit of the new variety is larger in size and is approximately 2 weeks later in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimens of the foliage and fruit of the present new nectarine variety. The illustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, an exterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its suture plane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shipping ripe) from a 5 year old tree and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety of nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of 5 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color in accordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and             width for economical harvesting of fruit. Size varies with             different cultural practices.         -   Vigor.—Vigorous, growth of 1.5 to 2 meters the first growing             season. Varies slightly with type and fertility of soil,             climatic conditions and cultural practices.         -   Form.—Upright, usually pruned to vase shape.         -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 25°,             increases with heavy crop load.         -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit             necessary for desired market size fruit. Number of fruit set             varies with climatic conditions during blooming period.         -   Bearer.—Regular, has had adequate fruit set 4 consecutive             years. No alternate bearing observed.         -   Fertility.—Self fertile.         -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to             increase air movement and sunlight to enhance fruit color             and health of fruit wood.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of             California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter             chilling requirement approximately 750 hours at or below 45°             F. -   Trunk:     -   -   Size.—Medium, average circumference 44.5 cm at 22.9 cm above             ground on a 5 year old tree.         -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.         -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.         -   Color.—Varies from 5YR 3/2 to 5YR 2/2. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 9.9 cm at 1.2 meters             above ground. Crotch angle approximately 25°, increases with             heavy crop load.         -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth             medium rough, roughness increases with age.         -   Lenticels.—Average number 19 in a 25.8 square cm area.             Average length 4.1 mm. Average width 2.2 mm. Color varies             from 5YR 5/8 to 5YR 4/8.         -   Color.—New growth varies from 2.5GY 7/6 to 2.5GY 5/6. Mature             growth varies from 10YR 3/2 to 10YR 3/6, varies with age of             growth. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 140.5 mm. Average             width 32.8 mm.         -   Form.—Elliptical.         -   Apex.—Acuminate.         -   Base.—Cuneate.         -   Margin.—Serrate.         -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight             indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface             relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib             and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces             glabrous.         -   Petiole.—Average length 12.8 mm. Average width 1.7 mm.             Longitudinally grooved. Surface — glabrous. Color varies             from 2.5GY 7/6 to 2.5GY 6/8.         -   Glands.—Type — reniform. Size — small. Average length             1.2 mm. Average diameter 1.0 mm. Number varies from 1 to 3,             average number 1. Located primarily on the base of the leaf             blade and upper portion of the petiole. Color 2.5GY 7/6.         -   Stipules.—None present at time of measurement.         -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 4/4 to 5GY 3/4. Lower             surface varies from 5GY 4/4 to 5GY 4/6. Midvein color 7.5Y             8.5/4 to 7.5Y 8/4. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 16.6 mm. Average diameter 10.7             mm.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.         -   Density.—Medium dense.         -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated just before opening.         -   Pedicel.—Average length 2.5 mm. Average width 1.3 mm.             Surface — glabrous. Color varies from 5GY 5/8 to 5GY 6/6.         -   Color.—Varies from 7.5RP 6/10 to 7.5RP 8/6. -   Flowers:     -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 28, 2019. Date of             Petal Fall Mar. 10, 2019, varies slightly with climatic             conditions.         -   Size.—Large. Average height 21.2 mm. Average diameter 43.2             mm.         -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size —             large. Average length 23.0 mm. Average width 20.6 mm. Form —             obovate. Petal apex — rounded to ovate. Petal base —             truncate. Arrangement — overlapping. Margin — sinuate. Both             upper and lower surfaces glabrous. Color varies from 7.5RP             8/4 to 5RP 8/4, fades with age of flower.         -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —             large. Average length 7.4 mm. Average width 6.5 mm. Shape             triangular to ovate. Margin — entire. Surface — upper             surface glabrous, lower surface pubescent. Color — upper             surface varies from 5Y 6/6 to 5R 3/6. Lower surface varies             from 5R 2/4 to 5R 2/6.         -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 47. Average filament             length 15.0 mm. On average the stamens are below the height             of the petals. Filament color varies from N 9.5/(white) to             5RP 7/6. Anther color varies from 7.5R 3/10 to 7.5R 3/12.         -   Pollen.—Self fertile. Color varies from 2.5Y 7/10 to 2.5Y             7/12.         -   Pistil.—Number — normally one. Average length 20.8 mm.             Position of stigma even with anthers. Surface — glabrous.             Color varies from 7Y 8.5/6 to 10Y 6/8.         -   Fragrance.—Slight aroma.         -   Color.—Varies from 7.5RP 8/4 to 5RP 9/2.         -   Pedicel.—Average length 4.2 mm. Average width 1.5 mm. Color             varies from 2.5GY 5/8 to 5GY 6/8. Surface — glabrous.         -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Normally one. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe and ready for             consumption.         -   Date of first picking.—Jul. 24, 2019.         -   Date of last picking.—Aug. 3, 2019, varies slightly with             climatic conditions.         -   Size.—Large. Average diameter axially 79.4 mm. Average             transversely in suture plane 81.5 mm. Average weight 296.7             grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of             thinning and climatic conditions.         -   Form.—Globose to slightly elongated.         -   Suture.—Lipped.         -   Ventral surface.—Lipped.         -   Apex.—Slightly retuse.         -   Base.—Flat to slightly retuse.         -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.             Average depth 10.7 mm. Average diameter 7.4 mm. -   Stem:     -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 10.0 mm. Average             diameter 4.1 mm.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 2.5GY 6/8. -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.         -   Texture.—Firm, meaty, crisp.         -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.         -   Firmness.—Firm, comparable to other commercial nectarine             varieties.         -   Aroma.—Slight.         -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.         -   Eating quality.—Very good.         -   Flavor.—Very good, having a good balance between acid and             sugar.         -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.         -   Acidity.—Not available.         -   Brix.—Average Brix 13.5°, varies slightly with amount of             fruit per tree and climatic conditions.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 8/8 to 2.5Y 8/12 with 5R 3/10 around             pit.         -   Pit cavity.—Average length 46.8 mm. Average width 30.6 mm.             Average depth 13.6 mm. Color varies from 5R 3/10 to 5R 2/8. -   Skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface.—Smooth.         -   Pubescence.—Wanting.         -   Tendency to crack.—None.         -   Color.—Ground color varies from 2.5Y 8/8 to 2.5Y 8/10.             Overspread with 5R 3/10 to 7.5R 2/6.         -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to the flesh.         -   Astringency.—Slight to none. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone, strong adherence to flesh.         -   Size.—Large. Average length 45.8 mm. Average width 29.6 mm.             Average thickness 25.2 mm.         -   Form.—Obovoid.         -   Base.—Flat.         -   Apex.—Slightly pointed. Average length 2.6 mm.         -   Surface.—Pitted throughout, pits vary from round to             elongated.         -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from suture             plane.         -   Ridges.—Relatively smooth, narrow ridges extending from base             toward apex.         -   Tendency to split.—None.         -   Color.—Varies from 7.5R 2/6 to 10R 3/6 when dry. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 22.8 mm. Average width 12.3 mm.             Average depth 6.9 mm.         -   Form.—Ovate.         -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.         -   Skin color.—Varies from 5Y 8.5/6 to 5Y 8/8. -   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage 3 weeks at 38° to     42° F. without shriveling, internal breakdown of flesh or     appreciable loss of flavor. -   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or flesh     bruising during picking, packing and shipping trials. -   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing     for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been     designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and     harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions     near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance     or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection     observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal     fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and     eliminated from our breeding program. No atypical     resistances/susceptibilities have been noted under normal cultural     practices.

The present new variety of nectarine tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soil conditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown. The present description is that of the variety grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica var. nucipersica), substantially as illustrated and described. 